TY - JOUR
T1 - Needs and experiences of cancer care in patients’ perspectives among the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community
T2 - a systematic review
AU - Chan, Alex Siu Wing
AU - Leung, Lok Man
AU - Wong, Florence Kwai Ching
AU - Ho, Jacqueline Mei Chi
AU - Tam, Hon Lon
AU - Tang, Patrick Ming Kuen
AU - Yan, Elsie
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
PY - 2023/10/21
Y1 - 2023/10/21
N2 - Individuals within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community who are diagnosed with cancer experience inequitable treatment in healthcare systems worldwide, resulting in dissatisfaction, communication challenges with healthcare providers, and a deep sense of disappointment. Stigma, discrimination, and perceived homophobia further heighten the risk of psychological and attitudinal disorders, including depression and suicidal tendencies, among LGBTQ cancer patients. To comprehensively assess the discrimination faced by LGBTQ cancer patients and gain deeper insights into their needs and experiences, we conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. We searched for relevant articles using specific keywords in reputable databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO. We rigorously evaluated article quality using the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) checklist. From a total of 75 eligible studies, we carefully selected 14 studies, specifically examining LGBTQ cancer patients who were currently undergoing or had previously undergone cancer treatment. The studies revealed various factors, including unmet needs related to anxiety and depression, instances of discrimination, disparities in care, and inadequate support systems. A majority of patients expressed dissatisfaction with their cancer care and continued to encounter discrimination and disparities throughout their treatment journeys. Consequently, this led to heightened levels of anxiety, stress, depression, and negative perceptions of healthcare providers. Based on these findings, we recommend providing specialized training to social workers and healthcare providers. This training will equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver culturally sensitive care tailored to the unique needs of LGBTQ cancer patients. By addressing discrimination, reducing disparities, and fostering an inclusive environment, healthcare professionals can strive to ensure that LGBTQ cancer patients receive the care they deserve.
AB - Individuals within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community who are diagnosed with cancer experience inequitable treatment in healthcare systems worldwide, resulting in dissatisfaction, communication challenges with healthcare providers, and a deep sense of disappointment. Stigma, discrimination, and perceived homophobia further heighten the risk of psychological and attitudinal disorders, including depression and suicidal tendencies, among LGBTQ cancer patients. To comprehensively assess the discrimination faced by LGBTQ cancer patients and gain deeper insights into their needs and experiences, we conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. We searched for relevant articles using specific keywords in reputable databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO. We rigorously evaluated article quality using the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) checklist. From a total of 75 eligible studies, we carefully selected 14 studies, specifically examining LGBTQ cancer patients who were currently undergoing or had previously undergone cancer treatment. The studies revealed various factors, including unmet needs related to anxiety and depression, instances of discrimination, disparities in care, and inadequate support systems. A majority of patients expressed dissatisfaction with their cancer care and continued to encounter discrimination and disparities throughout their treatment journeys. Consequently, this led to heightened levels of anxiety, stress, depression, and negative perceptions of healthcare providers. Based on these findings, we recommend providing specialized training to social workers and healthcare providers. This training will equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver culturally sensitive care tailored to the unique needs of LGBTQ cancer patients. By addressing discrimination, reducing disparities, and fostering an inclusive environment, healthcare professionals can strive to ensure that LGBTQ cancer patients receive the care they deserve.
KW - cancer
KW - discrimination
KW - exclusion
KW - health care
KW - LGBTQ
KW - mental health
KW - oncology
KW - social inclusion
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85162967488&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/routledg/wshc20/2023/00000062/f0020008/art00001
U2 - 10.1080/00981389.2023.2226182
DO - 10.1080/00981389.2023.2226182
M3 - Review article
C2 - 37338823
SN - 0098-1389
VL - 62
SP - 263
EP - 279
JO - Social Work in Health Care
JF - Social Work in Health Care
IS - 8-9
ER -
